Korean Register (KR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to jointly develop a very large ethane carrier (VLEC).
Designed to carry liquefied ethane at -100°C, VLECs require advanced engineering and specialised design due to the cargo’s complexity.
The new vessel will exceed 100,000 cubic metres (m³) in capacity, maximise cargo volume with minimal design changes, and be capable of transporting various cargoes—including LPG and propylene—to increase flexibility and market adaptability for shipowners.
Under the joint project, HHI will lead the vessel’s basic and hull design, while KR will assess safety and regulatory compliance based on its latest gas carrier rules and international standards, with the goal of issuing an Approval in Principle (AiP).
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RYU Hong-Ryul, CTO and Executive Vice President at HHI, stated: “Through the development of this next-generation vessel capable of transporting more cargo under the same conditions, we will once again demonstrate HHI’s technological leadership in the global ethane transportation market.
“Ultimately, we aim to deliver a sustainable solution that enhances both profitability and environmental performance for our customers.”
LEE Hyungchul, Chairman and CEO of KR, further commented: “This joint effort marks a meaningful starting point in the development of next-generation ethane carriers.”
Last month, HD Hyundai and A.P. Moller–Maersk signed an MoU to collaborate on vessel decarbonisation, with HD Hyundai also set to expand the use of Maersk’s integrated logistics services across its affiliates.